Formerly known as Trio in Stereo, Remaindermen is their new name and playing fresh music is their game. This five-man crew has come a long way from playing college parties while attending Indiana University in Bloomington. The band now resides in the Windy City as they bring to you Border States under their…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
Trans Am, Thing
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What?! There’s no vocals in post-rock! —But Captain, these voices aren’t human, they’re… something else. Trans Am have trapped you in a Tron-like universe and Thing is the robot in a business suit sent to save you. On closer inspection, the real concept of the record isn’t quite what I imagined–humbug–but it’s just as spacey.…
Steve Poltz, Dreamhouse
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The comfortable, seemingly nonchalant sway of Steve Poltz’s latest, Dreamhouse may very well be a nod to East Coast singer-songwriter Joel Plaskett, long one of Canada’s undiscovered strumming charmers. After all, not only did Plaskett produce Dreamhouse, he played six different instruments and provided backing vocals. But maybe Plaskett simply adds fuel to Poltz’s fire.…
Robin Stone, Bad Girl
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Get ready for Robin Stone as she brings you her new album full of so much good flavor. Bad Girl proves that Stone is a gifted singer/songwriter and a force to be reckoned with in this business. If I had to use one phrase to describe this record’s overall sound I would call…
MaryBeth Maes, Just Like Me
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As one that holds classic blues-rock close to heart, it came as a great surprise just how difficult it was to listen through the entirety of MaryBeth Maes’ debut original album, Just Like Me. It’s perplexing as Maes succeeds in every fundamental aspect— a voice with great range and pitch, solid acoustic accompaniment, and great…
Lyrical Eye, Lyrical Eye
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I recently received this demo of four songs and was curious to find out just who this Lyrical Eye person was. Turns out his real name is Stefan Eliades and was born in the small island of Cyprus. This artist/songwriter has also lived in the United Kingdom where his music career really started…
Duc’n it Easy, October
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This six-song set from Duc’n it Easy will excite your senses and get you all fixed up with some feel-good tunes. October features a mellow rock approach with a jam band feel that also incorporates elements of country from time to time. The overall vibe is extremely cool with a laid-back demeanor and…
The Radio Dept., Clinging To A Scheme
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In today’s musical landscape, four years is basically an eternity for a band to follow up an album with another. This obviously doesn’t matter to the Swedish electronic pop band The Radio Dept. as their newly released album Clinging To A Scheme comes on the heels of the well-regarded Pet Grief record which dropped way…
Ayler Young, Back In The City
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For many musicians based out of New York City, it is easy to write about life in the Big Apple but it is much harder to make it sound fresh and compelling. Ayler Young, a 30-year-old songwriter influenced by both classical and rock music, doesn’t seem to have that problem though as his just released…
Italian Japanese, The Lush, Romantic Weirdness
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Sometimes, you can get a real feel for a certain group right off the bat. That is exactly the case here with Italian Japanese and The Lush, Romantic Weirdness. I can sense right away that this band has something special and that they will definitely be a smash hit within the music scene.…
The Royal Heist, Midnight In The Garden of Evil
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With the precision of a bullet in the chamber, The Royal Heist are corked in to deliver–and that’s just how they start their debut spin, Midnight In The Garden of Evil, released digitally April 20th. The record is produced by the band and Max Coane, the same man behind the sound of recent punk legends…
The Lions, New Rise of the FootSoldier
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Get ready for an incredibly loud roar from The Lions. Not real lions of course but a band of wild musicians from Calgary, Alberta Canda that call themselves The Lions. This group plays with ferocious intensity with pure rock at the core of everything. Give way to these new rock soldiers as…
Mongrel Mix, Self-Titled
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Mongrel Mix is an eclectic blend of unique styles where it seems music is coming from all directions. You’re not just getting chocolate or vanilla from this group; you have a wide variety of flavors to choose from. Everything from straight rock to classic rock to roots & folk; you’re getting a little…
Sonic Rebellion, Heads We Win…Tails You Lose
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Are you ready for a rebellion full of hard rock and jaw-dropping energy? If so, it’s time to get on board with Sonic Rebellion and their new record, Heads We Win…Tails You Lose. This NYC-based band brings to you a sound that is revved up, amped up and I would even say electrifying.…
White Denim, Fits
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This one should come as no surprise: it’s another genre-bending and altogether righteous rock and roll band out of Austin. Seriously, what are they putting in the water there? And why does it take so long for the rest of the world to get hip to these acts? White Denim, a dynamic three-piece that are…
My Silent Bravery, Are You Prepared?
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Formerly known as the Matt Shwachman Band, this group decided to get a complete makeover. The new image is now My Silent Bravery and the sound is more appealing than ever. New name and fresh start for Shwachman & company as they have you asking yourself Are You Prepared? I hope that…
Bulletproof Messenger, Arm Yourself
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Prepare yourself for a fistful of heavy rock joints that will leave a lasting impression on you. Bulletproof Messenger (BPM) are setting aim to explode amongst the music community. This rock band asks you, the listeners, to Arm Yourself with good music and solid knowledge. Not too much to ask I think…
The Echo Falls, The Echo Falls
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The Echo Falls swoon with the kind of classic pop sensibilities that you can’t help but find endearing. In small doses. After all, overplaying The Echo Falls is a weighty risk. Too much exposure to surefire acoustic gems like “Hummingbird” is a threat to the track’s honest and precious sentiment. There’s no shortage of romantic…
Sonarpilot, Mothership
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Are you ready for a futuristic sound explosion for 2010 & beyond??? Well get ready because Sonarpilot and the new double CD, Mothership, are about to blast off! Sonarpilot is your captain and Mothership is your transportation, so strap yourself in and prepare yourself for one incredible ride full of wonder & excitement.…
The Dimes, The King Can Drink The Harbour Dry
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The King Can Drink The Habour Dry, the latest release from Portland’s rising folk-poppers The Dimes isn’t so much a concept record as it is an homage. Lyrically and musically, this seven piece band are clearly students of history. Sounding like a cross between a mellow and pratical Beach Boys and a slightly exuberant Elliot…
The Great Affairs, The Great Affairs
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Before we get this started, realize I approach hanging a yoke around the necks of The Great Affairs with much trepidation. I really don’t know how to begin to classify the Nashville outfit except to say they toe several lines in terms of genre. After several listens to their 2009 self-titled, my conclusion is: it’s…
Mary J. Blige, Stronger with Each Tear
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Mary J. Blige has every right to be deemed “Queen of Hip Hop Soul”, when she has received multi-platinum status on just about every album she has released since 1992 and has sold more than 49 million records to date. Since her “Real Love” days of her debut album, “What’s the 411?”, to her current…
Curbstone Beauty, Who Needs Luv
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Good music is definitely hard to find these days, and that can be said for all genres of music across the board –hip hop, country, rock, etc. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a band like Curbstone Beauty, which brings back some original sound, especially one that reminds me of what I’ll call…
Lori Diamond, Mystery
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I introduce to you 1-of-A-Kind–Lori Diamond from Boston. This singer/songwriter/pianist has such a pure & genuine quality to her voice. Not to mention, this talented artist throws in stellar piano playing to complete the entire Mystery. It is no surprise that this Bostonian sings & plays from the heart at all times…
The Sour Notes, It’s Not Gonna Be Pretty
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When The Sour Notes’ fourth release, “It’s Not Gonna Be Pretty”, arrived in my mailbox, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Just reading the title of their band made me chuckle, but as I popped the CD into my walkman (yes, I still own one, and it’s a more than 10-year-old Sony), I was…
Pugwash, Giddy
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The mystical charm of Ireland, something that has fascinated those on this side of the Atlantic for quite some time, is heard in spades on Giddy, the latest release from Pugwash. The distinct harmonies, elevated by the subtle folk-pop melodies show off how effortless Walsh makes the whole thing sound. This however, hinders Giddy as…
Matt Pond PA, The Dark Leaves
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The shuffling nature of The Dark Leaves, the latest from Matt Pond PA brims with a distinct optimism, if only musically. The manner in which he delivers his warbling lyrics above heartfelt acoustic pop is a little bewildering, but for some reason, when the whole package is delivered together it works with alarming effciency. Tracks…
Aloha, Home Acres
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Home Acres, the third and latest release from Aloha takes a leap into some strange and bold new territory for the band; and it’s a leap that may very well pay off for Aloha. Though the amps are still cranked and they’re doing whatever they can to keep their feet planted firmly in the dirt…
You Say Party! We Say Die!, XXXX
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Shiny synthesizer melodies mingle with edgy, punk riffs on XXXX the third album by Canadian indie rockers You Say Party! We Say Die! (YSP! WSD!). The band channels the past in the new wave sound yet it is infused with a dose of punk swagger – a fitting rebel yell for the dance floor fiends.…
Sweethead, Sweethead
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Initially, Sweethead’s self-titled album evokes neither regret nor awe but a feeling eerily in between. It feels repetitive, at first, with a steady dissonant bass and indecipherable lyrics muddled into one. But if you have the patience for another go, this album proves more intricate and layered. Sweethead is decadent and dark, and can…
Jasper Coal, 1000 Feet Closer to Hell
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Jasper Coal may be based in Birmingham, AL but their hearts belong to Ireland. Breaking out the tin whistle and the bodrhran, these guys wear their ethnic pride on their green sleeves. Their influences are obvious at first blush. Jasper Coal is heavily indebted to groups like The Pouges, Dropkick Murphys and even the more…
Rifoki, Sperm Donor EP
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Before the two became renowned for their superstar status in the world of DJs, Steve Aoki and Bobby Rifo of The Bloody Beetroots were your typical hardcore kids. Both have come together to form Rifoki, a new hardcore project that is void of any hint that the two men behind the music are either one…
The Locals, Salt
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I’d like to introduce to you a cool alt-pop/rock band from Chicago with so much Midwestern swag. The Locals are an indie rock band that offer a garage band appeal by way of their raw & stripped down sound. You’re also hearing heavy guitar parts and solid drumming on the new EP Salt.…
Drive By Truckers’, The Big To-Do
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When asked to think of the best band to have originated in Athens, GA, most people would answer R.E.M. because of its enigmatic front man Michael Stipe and its classic sound heard on such classic albums as Murmur, Document, and Automatic for the People. However, now is the time to finally acknowledge another band that…
The Bird and the Bee, Interpreting the Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates
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It wasn’t too long ago that the 80s pop duo Hall and Oates were considered to be as hip as a Hallmark channel 24 hour marathon of Murder, She Wrote. Times have changed though as the pop artists have seen a recent semi-resurgence in both critical circles (they were nominated for a Grammy this past…
The Cringe, Play Thing
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Right away from the front cover of this CD you see a band of creepy-looking monkey dolls that will just freak you out. I already sense from the art work that this group is going to play against the grain and who knows may even make you cringe in the process. One thing…
Iolite, Self-Titled
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Iolite is a band surrounded by a deep richness of sound. There are a number of musicians on this EP that help appeal to the senses by way of a plush & vibrant appearance. The fullness factor can be contributed to the many talented players on this disc. This work is undeniably…
The Hi-Nobles, Shake!
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Jangly, party-ready strut? Check. Insistent adherence to the aesthetics of their musical heroes? You got it. Husky vocals? It’s all here. Hearing Shake! the debut from the garage and soul-influenced Hi-Nobles will no doubt bring listeners on a musical trip, as the record easily evokes images of rock and roll legends from yesteryear. Things never…
Ghostkeeper, Ghostkeeper
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There’s a suspicious feel to Ghostkeeper’s latest full-length. Marrying spooked out blues that would have excited Captain Beefheart with an affinity for 60’s jangle pop sounds like a match made in sonic heaven. And while Ghostkeeper does indeed work very well sonically, there’s moments of restrained way out there psychadelics that litter the record. This…
JIMI HENDRIX, VALLEYS OF NEPTUNE
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This is the newest offering by the Hendrix Family/Experience Hendrix of previously unreleased versions of vintage Jimi material. The 12-song release includes a booklet on the origins and history of the songs. The disc includes previously unheard studio versions of Bleeding Heart, and Sunshine Of Your Love. The recordings were done at both The Record…
